Appeals to diversity utterly fail for one reason. While people may indeed take pride in the origins of their ancestors, to carry on too much of the traditions of “the old country” causes personal and familial stagnation.
For example, in talking with a young man who describes himself as “Irish-American”, I found an interesting case of Americanism. Did he immigrate from Ireland? No. Is he an Irish citizen? No. Has he ever been to Ireland? No, but he would like to visit. Does he speak Gaelic? No. Is he a Catholic? Yes, but not practicing.
Truthfully, he has integrated. He is not “Irish-American”, he is American, of Irish descent. If he ever does visit Ireland, it will be as an American, and for the most part, he will be seen by Irish people as an American.
This is the typical path.
But diversity implies that he should have been ghettoized with other Irish people, that he should speak Gaelic, that he should be totally caught up in Irish, not American culture, and obey his priest’s dictates. In other words, handicapped from being a successful American citizen by being mired in the same life as his forebears.
Personal and familial stagnation.
Diversity also implies some degree of shame for being an American. Why else would anyone feel embarrassed in saying they are an American? Why say you are Irish-American?
American does not have much of a definition beyond citizenship. It does not imply a race or religion, except for non-Americans caught up in an “us vs. them” attitude.
But at the same time, being an American *means* things. Important and powerful things.
It’s very simple.
Divide and conquer.
No more, no less.